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When to Plant Cucumber in Cumberland County, NJ

Cucumbers are a warm-season vine crop available in slicing and pickling varieties. They are prolific producers when given warmth, moisture, and a trellis to climb.

Cumberland County, New Jersey is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 229 days.

At an elevation of 425 feet, Cumberland County receives approximately 42 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 94ยฐF, providing good warmth for Cucumber during the growing season.

Cumberland County, NJ (Zone 7a) Long season
229 days
Last Spring Frost March 28
229 growing days
First Fall Frost November 12

Cumberland County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.2-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (103 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 23 Transplant: Apr 6 🍅 Harvest: Jun 1 – Jul 27
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (103 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 28 Transplant: Apr 11 🍅 Harvest: Jun 6 – Aug 1
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (112 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 12 Transplant: Apr 23 🍅 Harvest: Jun 18 – Aug 13

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.5″/week
Rainfall provides
0.8″/week
You supply
0.7″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 1,487 gal / 100 sq ft
Cucumber needs ~1,230 GDD — county provides 4,694 GDD Excellent fit

Cucumber Planting Timeline โ€” Cumberland County, NJ

Cucumber Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 28 Feb 28 โ€“ Mar 14
Transplant Outdoors April 11 Apr 11 โ€“ Apr 25
Direct Sow April 4 Apr 4 โ€“ Apr 25
Harvest June 6 Jun 6 โ€“ Aug 1

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 24" apart ยท Rows 48" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May โ€”
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

High โ€” keep soil consistently moist

Days to Maturity

50โ€“70 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 7a

Growing Season

229 days

Growing Tips for Cumberland County

Direct sow after last frost or start indoors 3 weeks early. Provide a trellis for vining types to save space and improve air circulation. Harvest frequently to encourage production.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Potatoes
  • Sage

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Cucumber in Cumberland County, NJ?

Cumberland County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of March 28. Plan your Cucumber planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Cumberland County, NJ?

Cumberland County, New Jersey is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and first fall frost is November 12.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Cumberland County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Cumberland County, NJ. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.